Stay away from empty shady areas at night, specially the surroundings of two big parks near downtown: Redenção and Marinha. Drug dealing and unsafe sex take place in the shadows of these parks every night since early dusk, often attracting aggressive men like thieves. Rua Voluntários da Pátria is somewhat dangerous (though not as much) for similar reasons due to prostitution. Other parks such as Parcão are much safer. If you're into this kind of stuff, be warned that attendees almost never include tourists, so you would probably be a target.

Stay away from empty shady areas at night, specially the surroundings of two big parks near downtown: Redenção and Marinha. Drug dealing and unsafe sex take place in the shadows of these parks every night since early dusk, often attracting aggressive men like thieves. Rua Voluntários da Pátria is somewhat dangerous (though not as much) for similar reasons due to prostitution. Other parks such as Parcão are much safer. If you're into this kind of stuff, be warned that attendees almost never include tourists, so you would probably be a target.

−

As in any Brazilian city, observe the people around you and avoid being ostentatious to them. That is, unless you see people doing the same, use expensive electronics unobstrusively when surrounded by many people (such as in bus stops) and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes. This is particularly important if you visit a poor neighbourhood (see a map [http://portoimagem.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/mapa-com-a-localizacao-das-vilas-favelas-de-porto-alegre/ here]). If you need to do so, bring a friend, preferably a city resident you trust, and blend in: wear generic clothes, leave valuables at your accommodation (you may bring a basic phone for emergency), avoid English and even Portuguese if your accent is not perfect, walk confidently (know where to go without a map) and avoid obviously tourist behaviour such as opening a map in a visible spot. Fortunately, in the South of Brazil many racial types are well mixed, so if you look European, Arab, African, Indigenous (native) or Asian (or anything in between) you are unlikely to be identified as a tourist based solely on physical appearance. However, this is not the case for people with strong Indian (South Asian) features, which are rare anywhere in Brazil. Also, people with a strong East Asian look are rarely seen in poorer neighbourhoods and may draw some attention there. Skin types [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzpatrick_scale] II to V are the most common and the distribution is almost uniform; people in the very lightest (including albino) and the very darkest types may expect some curious glances.

+

As in any Brazilian city, observe the people around you and avoid being ostentatious to them. That is, unless you see people doing the same, use expensive electronics unobstrusively when surrounded by many people (such as in bus stops) and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes. This is particularly important if you visit a poor neighbourhood (see a map [http://portoimagem.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/mapa-com-a-localizacao-das-vilas-favelas-de-porto-alegre/ here]). If you need to do so, bring a friend, preferably a city resident you trust, and blend in: wear generic clothes, leave valuables at your accommodation (you may bring a basic phone for emergency), avoid English and even Portuguese if your accent is not perfect, walk confidently (know where to go without a map) and avoid obviously tourist behaviour such as opening a map in a visible spot. Fortunately, in the South of Brazil many racial types are well mixed, so if you look European, Arab, African, Indigenous (native) or Asian (or anything in between) you are unlikely to be identified as a tourist based solely on physical appearance. However, this is not the case for people with strong Indian (South Asian) features, which are rare anywhere in Brazil. Also, people with a strong East Asian look are rarely seen in poorer neighbourhoods and may draw some attention there. Skin types [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzpatrick_scale] II to V are the most common and the distribution is almost uniform; people in the extremes may expect some curious glances.

Porto Alegre has a higher per capita homicide rate than Rio and São Paulo [http://noticias.r7.com/rio-de-janeiro/noticias/rio-cai-18-posicoes-no-ranking-das-capitais-brasileiras-segundo-taxa-de-homicidio-20120118.html], but most homicides take place in poorer neighbourhoods, so learn them beforehand and avoid them. Recent surveys [http://www.baguete.com.br/noticias/negocios-e-gestao/16/12/2011/poa-homicidio-cai-mas-segue-alto] revealed that the most dangerous neighbourhoods are Farrapos, Jardim do Salso, Lomba do Pinheiro, Bom Jesus and Mário Quintana. You are unlikely to visit any of them since they lie on the outskirts of the city and offer almost no attractions. In other middle- to upper-class neighbourhoods, specially in downtown and nearby, homicides are less common, most crimes involve stealing or robbery of valuable goods such as cars, mobile phones and cash ([http://zerohora.clicrbs.com.br/rs/policia/noticia/2012/09/bairro-petropolis-e-campeao-de-roubo-de-veiculos-em-porto-alegre-com-mais-de-34-ocorrencias-por-mes-3885694.html], [http://zerohora.clicrbs.com.br/rs/geral/pagina/mapa-de-furtos-e-roubos-2012.html] and [http://www.slideshare.net/ivanmilmann/locais-de-criminalidade-em-porto-alegre-ivan-regis-milmann-fonte-zero-hora]).

Porto Alegre has a higher per capita homicide rate than Rio and São Paulo [http://noticias.r7.com/rio-de-janeiro/noticias/rio-cai-18-posicoes-no-ranking-das-capitais-brasileiras-segundo-taxa-de-homicidio-20120118.html], but most homicides take place in poorer neighbourhoods, so learn them beforehand and avoid them. Recent surveys [http://www.baguete.com.br/noticias/negocios-e-gestao/16/12/2011/poa-homicidio-cai-mas-segue-alto] revealed that the most dangerous neighbourhoods are Farrapos, Jardim do Salso, Lomba do Pinheiro, Bom Jesus and Mário Quintana. You are unlikely to visit any of them since they lie on the outskirts of the city and offer almost no attractions. In other middle- to upper-class neighbourhoods, specially in downtown and nearby, homicides are less common, most crimes involve stealing or robbery of valuable goods such as cars, mobile phones and cash ([http://zerohora.clicrbs.com.br/rs/policia/noticia/2012/09/bairro-petropolis-e-campeao-de-roubo-de-veiculos-em-porto-alegre-com-mais-de-34-ocorrencias-por-mes-3885694.html], [http://zerohora.clicrbs.com.br/rs/geral/pagina/mapa-de-furtos-e-roubos-2012.html] and [http://www.slideshare.net/ivanmilmann/locais-de-criminalidade-em-porto-alegre-ivan-regis-milmann-fonte-zero-hora]).

Understand

Porto Alegre is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul and the biggest urban agglomeration of south Brazil. The perfect blend of Brazilian-Portuguese and River Plate-Spanish cultures, added to a strong European heritage gives the city a unique background within Brazil. The city is one of the richest metropolis in the country, the state capital with the highest life quality and literacy rate (97%), the book capital of Brazil.

The gaúchos are very proud of their land and culture. In 1835 a revolution which declared Rio Grande do Sul independent from Brazil broke out, the most significant national conflict of the Brazilian Empire (1822-1889), named the Farroupilha Revolution or Farrapos War. This war wreaked havoc across the entire state during 10 bloody years, killing nearly 20% of the gaúchos and ultimately leading to a peace treaty where the Republica Riograndense once again became part of Brazil. Another major Brazilian revolution also began in Rio Grande do Sul. The Federalist Revolution of 1893 defended the decentralization of powers and greater autonomy for the states, and only finished in 1895, after spreading to two other states. It was also in Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre) where the 1930 Revolution which overthrew the president Washington Luis began, and so was from Rio Grande do Sul the most important Brazilian communist revolutionary of all times: Luis Carlos Prestes, who led the nation-wide communist upheaval in 1935. For such reasons, among many others, the Gaúchos (Riograndenses) are particularly proud of their mother state, many considering themselves as gauchos rather than Brazilians.

Currently, Porto Alegre is a service centered city in between the industrial part of the state (north-east) and the rural part (south). It is also called the "Mercosul Capital".

There is a train station (known as trensurb by locals) and bus stops near the airport. However, it is recommended to take a cab ("taxi" for locals) in order to leave the airport, because the nearby trensurb station is not exactly close to the airport facility and available buses don't take you downtown. Cab rides can be a little pricey, so you can opt to take a bus to a place near your destination and get a cab from there.

You will find two types of taxis by the airport. The red cabs are the usual cabs you find around the city. The white cabs service only the airport. The white cabs are regarded as more trustworthy, even though a bit more expansive. If you don't know your way around the city, it is more advised to take the white cabs.

The airport facility is modern (built in 2001) and has a shopping-like structure, with restaurants, shops and even movie theaters.

By train

Trains serve only the metropolitan area. Locals call it trensurb and services are limited, with only one line connecting Downtown to some metropolitan cities (Canoas, Esteio, Sapucaia do Sul, São Leopoldo, and Novo Hamburgo). The fare is R$1,85 and there's a station near Rodoviaria (central bus station) and the airport. It is more or less safe to walk during day time from Rodoviaria or the airport to the stations.

By car

Coming from the North (Florianópolis, Curitiba, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro), one may reach Porto Alegre by two ways. BR-116 is shorter, but much more dangerous. This road is used to reach other destinations in Rio Grande do Sul, such as Caxias do Sul, Gramado and Canela. BR-116 also connects all major metropolitan cities and traffic jams are frequent during rush hours in weekdays. The other way to get to Porto Alegre from the North is using BR-101 to Osório and then BR-290. The first connects Curitiba, Florianópolis and Osório, and is being upgraded to highway standards; the latter crosses Rio Grande do Sul from Osório to Uruguaiana, through Porto Alegre. The section between Osório and Porto Alegre is called free-way by locals, and is a very well-mantained 6-lane toll-road.

Also, in neighbouring Canoas, BR-386 begins, connecting the metropolitan area with other major cities in the countryside, such as Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Maria and Passo Fundo. It has 4 lanes up to Tabaí and it is in decent conditions.

From the East, Porto Alegre is reachable by BR-290 from Uruguaiana and Argentina. Using this road, it's possible to reach southern cities such as Bagé and Santana do Livramento. This section of BR-290 shares a stretch with BR-116, from Guaíba's Bridge up to Eldorado do Sul interchange.

Be advised that some of these roads are dangerous due to their poor signaling/conditions and lots of trucks. Most of them are toll-roads and have electronic speed traps. Schedule your travels by car during the day; it is simply safer.

By bus

The long distance bus station is located downtown and is served by state, national and international lines. Daily services connects Porto Alegre with several cities inside the country and also Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay. It is also connected to a trensurb station and several municipal bus lines.

By boat

Besides its decent port facilities for cargo, a new service operated by CatSul connects Porto Alegre to Guaiba, a city right across Guaiba Estuary, known as Rio Guaiba. The crossing takes 20 min and costs R$ 7.00 each way. You will find more information here:
http://www.catsul.com.br

Get around

The city is roughly a semi-circle that expanded outward in a concentric manner, beginning from the historical city center, right next to the promontory and the harbor. Avenues going from the center to the outer areas of the semi-circle are the radiais (radials) and are crossed by avenues named perimetrais (perimeters). Hence, to go to and from downtown one will use mostly the former, whereas to go from one neighborhood to another, one uses the latter.

Buses

To understand the bus system, one must consider the above description. All lines are identified as "(prefix)-number name/neighborhood". Currently, almost all lines are radial, that is, they connect an outer neighborhood to the various downtown terminals. Those lines have no prefix. It is quite common to switch buses at downtown but, considering there is a myriad of lines there, it can be challenging to find the right terminal to hop on the next bus. Transversal lines (prefix "T" - T1, T2, ..., T11), connect different neighborhood without going through the downtown area, effectively eliminating the need of changing buses for the most common trips. Circular lines (prefix "C" - C1, C2, C3), as the name indicates, run in a circular manner, usually connecting parts of the downtown area to the nearest neighborhoods.

There have been some attempts to setup a more sophisticated website for describing the public transportation system. The official one, http://www.poatransporte.com.br/, accomplishes this (if only to a certain extent): when you enter an address, the map will show you the nearby stops. You can do this again for the destination address, and see the routes that suit you the best. You can also enter one (or several) routes and they will appear on the map. An alternative site gained a lot of popularity in late 2012: http://www.trafeguebem.com.br/. It tries to turn the task into a one-step process, where you enter two arbitrary locations and it returns several options to make the trip. A lot of times, however, it will not be successful.

Unfortunately, it is very hard to find bus stops with indication of lines' destinations or timetables. Hence, when in doubt, the easiest way is to ask the locals which bus will get you to you destination. Porto Alegre's buses are, in most cases, clean, safe and fast, specially when the line uses the bus corridor, a reserved lane with special stops in main avenues, effectively avoiding traffic jams. In order to use the bus, you must be at a bus stop and signal or wave your hand to the arriving bus you want to ride (they will not stop unless waved upon!).

The fare must be paid to the cobrador before crossing the turnstile located inside the bus. Fares may be paid either in cash or using a smartcard system named TRI. TRI-users get discounts in consecutive trips - currently, a fifty percent discount is granted to the second trip within half an hour. Current fares are listed below:

class

fare

remarks

infant

free

must pass under or over the turnstile

student

R$ 1,40

must use a special TRI card

adult

R$ 2,85

second trip is R$ 1,35 (with TRI)

resident senior (60y-)

free

must use a special TRI card

senior (65y-)

free

any document proving age is enough

Lotação

The Lotação is an alternative transportation system, with fewer lines, served by vans with up to 20 people in capacity, where one can hop on and off at any point (i.e. outside designated stops) of the trip. The fare is R$4.25 for everyone. The vans are easily recognized by their "red and blue" colour. If you're not sure if a lotação goes to the destination you want to go, just wave your hand, wait until it stops and FROM THE STREET ask the driver if it goes to your destination (for instance to go to Iguatemi Mall just say Iguatemi?), don't go in just to ask otherwise the driver might ask you to pay the fare since the counter is measured on the stairs near the door.

Taxis

There are plenty of taxis. They can be pricey, if compared to other towns, but they are also an easier, safer and more dependable option than buses in some cases. To ride a cab, one can walk to the nearest "taxi stop" (usually in crowded areas or points of interest), wave for an empty passing cab or call a tele-táxi service. Tele-táxi may charge extra for this service. The price of the fare is determined by a machine called taxímetro, usually in front of the passenger seat. There is always a minimum price, which is shown when the machine is reset for the trip, which is, as 2011, R$3,50. Next to the value, there is a "flag" indicator that shows the level of price being paid, always according to the service. Usually there is a table inside of the cab explaining each level of service. It is recommended to check if the correct level is being charged in the beggining of the trip, in order to avoid problems when you reach your destination.

Walking

Walking around is a reasonable idea only inside a given neighborhood or downtown, as opposed to from one neighborhood to another, as they are usually too far apart. Walking during the night in most parts of the city is outright dangerous. During the day, it is recommended to pay attention to your belongings at all times, due to activity of pickpockets and other thieves. Avoid parks at night. Porto Alegre is a dangerous city at global levels. Be advised that pedestrian crossings, most of the time, are completely ignored by the vast majority of drivers; never rely on them without looking or making sure the driver will stop. It is also not recommended to cross the street outside the proper crossing areas in traffic jams: motorbike riders usually split between stopped cars, causing a great risk to pedestrians.

See

Moinhos de Vento Park - Porto Alegre

Linha Turismo is a tourist bus line that rides through 11 neighbourhoods and shows the main attractions of the city (parks, trees, statues, hospitals, churches, etc), with audio guides in three languages. The trip is 28km long and lasts for about 1h20min, and the arrival is at the same departure address. From Tuesdays to Sundays (holidays included), at 9am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30m (winter) or 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm and 6pm (summer). The tickets cost 5 reais for the lower floor and 7 reais for the superior one (which has no ceiling). Travessa do Carmo Street 84, phones (51) 3213-3464 and (51) 3212-1628:

Monumento aos Açorianos (Açorianos monument) - It is a 17m high momument in the memory of the people from the island of Azores, who were the first to settle in Porto Alegre.

Santuário Mãe de Deus, Rua do Santuário 400, Bairro Cascata (accessible from Av. Oscar Pereira): A beautiful church almost unknown by most porto-alegrenses. It is placed in an great location, with nice views of Porto Alegre and nearby cities landscapes. Built in 1992, it has a modern architecture and engineering, designed to support the strong winds of the location. It is somewhat difficult to get to this place, for there are no buses near and a cab ride from downtown would be pricey. However, if you rent a car in Porto Alegre, it's worth trying. The Linha Turismo Zona Sul stop for some moments at the Santuário.

Usina do Gasômetro: is a old powerplant built in 1928 which was refurnished recently and now hosts movie theaters and art expositions. During the sunset, lots of people get together in front of the Usina to watch the sun diving into Rio Guaíba (Guaiba river).

MARGS, Praça da Alfândega, Downtown, phone (51) 3227-2311, (fax (51) 3221-2646, e-mail museu.margs@terra.com.br), [4] (in portuguese): The local Museum of Art. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 7pm. There's a permanent collection and an area that is often receiving new exhibitions. There's also a bistro and a store that sells art books and souvenirs. Admission is free.

Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUC, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Building #40, phone (51) 3320.3597 [5] (in portuguese): It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is 10 reais (7 reais for children under 12, seniors, university students and professors).

Parks

Parque Moinhos de Vento (Moinhos de Vento Park) - Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.

Parque Farroupilha (Farroupilha Park) - Known by locals as Redenção, where is located the Araujo Viana Auditorium, which has hosted several political acts and music concerts. Also on Sundays, a antique-fair happens in a side street and is called by locals as Brique da Redenção.

Do

Watch the sunset: Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, Guaíba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasômetro and Ipanema. Beware that this event lasts about five minutes only. If you go up to level 5 of Gasômetro building, you can have a broader view of the sunset. During the winter (around July), it is recommended to take additional clothes, because the wind can be very strong.

Work

Buy

Central Market

Central Market (Mercado Público Central), (Between the Julio de Castilhos and Borges de Medeiros avenues), ☎+ 55 51 3333 1873 (mercadopublico@smic.prefpoa.com.br), [9]. Mon-Fri 7:30AM-7:30PM, Sat 7:30AM-6:30PM. Free. The market, built in 1869 and recently renovated, has more than 100 stalls selling local produce, typical products and spices, as well as several restaurants.

Brique da Redenção: A large flea market near Parque da Redenção with lots of authentic gaúcho art, crafts, furniture and hand-made stuff. It happens every Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.

Shopping malls

Barra Shopping Sul: It has an 8-room cinemark cinema theater inside, and many good restaurants with a incredible view to the Guaiba Lake. Located in "Av. Diário de Notícias, 300". You can get more info on their [10] (in portuguese)

Shopping Iguatemi: Located in the north side of the city, Av João Wallig 1800, it's the biggest Shopping Mall of Porto Alegre. You can get more info on their [11] (in portuguese)

Shopping Praia de Belas: Next to the Marinha do Brasil Park, it's a very good mall

Shopping Total: Built in the place of the old beer factory, it has a supermarket a lot of stores. It has very good restaurants outside in the parking lot.

Shopping Moinhos de Vento: Has a Sheraton hotel inside it.

Bourbon Shopping Country: One of the biggest Shopping Malls in town, located in Av Tulio de Rose, 100. It has a large variety of stores and restaurants.

Bourbon Shopping Ipiranga: Is located at Av. Ipiranga, one of the most important avenues of Porto Alegre.

Bourbon Shopping Wallig: Is the largest mall in Latin America and the newest mall in Porto Alegre

Eat

Budget

Churrascaria Giovanaz, Venâncio Aires. An inexpensive churrascaria in the Cidade Baixa. You can eat as much meat (and side dishes) as you like for less than R$ 25 (US$ 12.70)

Lancheria do Parque, Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, 1086 (Bairro Bom Fim, across from the Parque Redençao), ☎3311 8321. 6AM-midnight. Has possibly the best cheap eats in Porto Alegre. Lunch is a very good buffet where the offerings are always fresh and tasty. The menu offers incredible fresh juices and vitaminas and they are big. Sandwiches include the traditional Bauru: steak or chicken with egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato on a special bun (meal size). X~s with excellent ingredients. Plates--steaks mostly. A great chicken soap. Risotto. Everything is good, much better than most lancherias. Despite what your Brazilian friends might say, the staff does appreciate a ten percent tip, even though they rarely receive it. For the great service you will receive they will certainly deserve it!Buffet from R$ 6, juices from R$ 2.

[13] Steakhouse that serves a lot of steaks and offers an excelent ambient. Prices from R$ 40 (US$ 20).

Drink

Porto Alegre's nightlife is basically divided onto two neighborhoods: Cidade Baixa and Moinhos de Vento. Although, several pubs and clubs are located throughout the city.

Cidade Baixa

Cidade Baixa is an old neighborhood, filled with historical buildings and oldfashioned mansions. Most of the popular and cheap bars are located in Lima e Silva Street; they are the traditional xis (cheeseburgers) places, such as Speed and Cavanhas. In República Street, pubs and bars are fancier and more expensive too. Inside the old mansions of João Alfredo Street, several dance clubs party every night. The places are perfect to dance Brazilian popular music (called MPB) and samba.

Bar Opinião, Rua José do Patrocínio , 834. Since 1983, the Bar Opinião is a reference in the port-alegrense nightlife. With its newly extended physical space, the house can receive up to 2,300 people. The bar has had major improvements and offers a more comfortable structure now. In its menu, different drinks and tidbits.

Moinhos de Vento

Moinhos de Vento is one of the richest neighborhoods in town. Its bars and clubs are more likely to be fashionable. Expect bars to be pricey. Along Padre Chagas Street you can find typical Irish pubs and cafes.

elsewhere

Bar do Beto, Venâncio Aires Avenue, 876 [15] (in portuguese). Opens every day from 5pm to 3am. The beer is always really cold, there is a good variety of dishes and snacks and the food is aways delicious. It's a good place to flirt too.

Beco203, Av. Independência, 936. The place has different environments and gathers a varied public. On the second floor, a bar and a dancefloor. A stage for shows is also available. On the first floor, some tables and couchs to make the attendence feel comfortable. The Wednesdays and Saturdays are specially agitated. The nightclub offers an ambient with rock and some times alternative bands.

República de Madras, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. Inspired on the Indian culture, specially on the old city of Madras, the club has four floors and an outside terrace. On Thursdays, some of the top DJs in town usually play there. Friday and Saturday, the club offers pop music and pagode.

John Bull Pub, Shopping Total, Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 545. The place has a stage for shows where usually rock and roll cover bands performe.

Dissonante, website. The bar encourages the alternative rock porto-alegrense, offering an excellent space for the exposition of independent bands of the most varied styles - from instrumental rock to punk rock. Basically almost everything that involves a distorted guitar.

Bar do Nito, Lucas de Oliveira, 105, Phone: 3333-6221. The owner plays every night old songs from Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Every 29th day of the month you could enjoy the excellent and tradicional nhoque.

Logom Brewpub,website Rua Bento Figueiredo, 72 is Porto Alegre's first artisinal brew pub. Expect much stronger and more flavorful beers than the standard Pilsner. Popular with many technology workers and beer aficionados alike. Barrio Bom Fim, but close to Moinhos de Vento.

Splurge

Contact

The area code for Porto Alegre is 51.

Stay safe

Be aware when walking around downtown, especially on Rua dos Andradas (commonly known as Rua da Praia) and near the bus station even during daylight, since pickpockets may wander about — watch your backpack, pockets and wristwatch.

Stay away from empty shady areas at night, specially the surroundings of two big parks near downtown: Redenção and Marinha. Drug dealing and unsafe sex take place in the shadows of these parks every night since early dusk, often attracting aggressive men like thieves. Rua Voluntários da Pátria is somewhat dangerous (though not as much) for similar reasons due to prostitution. Other parks such as Parcão are much safer. If you're into this kind of stuff, be warned that attendees almost never include tourists, so you would probably be a target.

As in any Brazilian city, observe the people around you and avoid being ostentatious to them. That is, unless you see people doing the same, use expensive electronics unobstrusively when surrounded by many people (such as in bus stops) and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes. This is particularly important if you visit a poor neighbourhood (see a map here). If you need to do so, bring a friend, preferably a city resident you trust, and blend in: wear generic clothes, leave valuables at your accommodation (you may bring a basic phone for emergency), avoid English and even Portuguese if your accent is not perfect, walk confidently (know where to go without a map) and avoid obviously tourist behaviour such as opening a map in a visible spot. Fortunately, in the South of Brazil many racial types are well mixed, so if you look European, Arab, African, Indigenous (native) or Asian (or anything in between) you are unlikely to be identified as a tourist based solely on physical appearance. However, this is not the case for people with strong Indian (South Asian) features, which are rare anywhere in Brazil. Also, people with a strong East Asian look are rarely seen in poorer neighbourhoods and may draw some attention there. Skin types [25] II to V are the most common and the distribution is almost uniform; people in the extremes may expect some curious glances.

Porto Alegre has a higher per capita homicide rate than Rio and São Paulo [26], but most homicides take place in poorer neighbourhoods, so learn them beforehand and avoid them. Recent surveys [27] revealed that the most dangerous neighbourhoods are Farrapos, Jardim do Salso, Lomba do Pinheiro, Bom Jesus and Mário Quintana. You are unlikely to visit any of them since they lie on the outskirts of the city and offer almost no attractions. In other middle- to upper-class neighbourhoods, specially in downtown and nearby, homicides are less common, most crimes involve stealing or robbery of valuable goods such as cars, mobile phones and cash ([28], [29] and [30]).

In upper-class neighbourhoods like Moinhos de Vento, these behaviours (opening a map, wearing expensive items and speaking a foreign language) are normally safe and not unusual.

Get out

Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra (Monkey Canyons)- 120 miles from Porto Alegre going on BR101 by Praia Grande/SC (keep in mind that last 25 km before the park entrance are unpaved and so bring a lot of time) or RS-020 by Cambará. Thousands of square miles of exuberant nature teeming with life. Miles of escarpments, innumerable waterfalls, rushing streams in an area absolutely undisturbed by human intervention--comprising not only tropical forest zones, but also the coastal, high plateau. And the coast--visible from the canyon’s rim. The unforgettable landscape is the result of immense volcanic eruptions more than 130 million years ago. For travel information, contact the RS Tourist Bureau or planitbrazil.com (US)925-270-4190

General Information

Electricity

The voltage is 127v in Porto Alegre, but 220v in other cities at the country side. Take care of this when using electronic devices such as hairdryers. Some places have both 127 and 220v, in these cases, the 220v outlets are red.

Useful Phone Numbers

Police: 190

Ambulance: 192

Firefighters: 193

Civil Defense: 199

Civil Police: 197

Federal Police: 194

Transport and Circulation Public Business: 118

Telephone Assistance: 102 (To know area codes and international codes of countries)

Climate

Humid climate with four well-defined seasons. Average annual temperature of 19ºC

Winter (June to September): between -1ºC e 19ºC

Summer (December to March): between 20ºC e 38ºC

Fall (April to June): between 7ºC e 25ºC

Spring (September to November): between 10ºC e 30ºC

Health

In the case you need help, go to the Hospital Municipal de Pronto Socorro (HPS). Public, conventional, and private patient services. In the case that you need immediate help, call an ambulance at 192 (SAMU system). Located in Largo Teodora Herzl (corner of Avenida Osvaldo Aranha, Bom Fim neighborhood).

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!